Norwegian singer-songwriter and producer Niklas Nesset, performing as ST. NIKLAS explores the complex emotions tied to family and distance in “phone calls from home.” This indie-pop track dives into the uneasy shift when once-comforting calls from loved ones become anxiety-inducing.
The song opens with beats that mimic the racing of a heartbeat, building tension as airy, 80s-inspired synths add a dreamy undertone. Nesset’s grainy, intimate vocals capture a raw vulnerability, and as the song progresses, the tempo picks up, with hard-hitting beats and pulsing synths creating a party-like energy. His voice soars with emotion, adding a catchy intensity that pulls listeners into the experience.
The lyrics encapsulate the theme of dread mixed with nostalgia: “Used to love that feeling talk talking to you / But when you come calling me out of the blue / I get a little nervous / Of what you’re gonna say.” This line captures the shift from fond memories of phone conversations to an apprehension about bad news. The repeated refrain, “Why should I take it if I can’t take it?” reflects the internal struggle of someone torn between wanting to stay connected and feeling overwhelmed by the emotional weight of every ring.
The music video, directed by Nesset himself and filmed in Oslo, captures the song’s introspective mood. Set in a room plastered with Polaroid pictures, Nesset’s nervousness as he stares at the ringing phone gives way to dancing as the chorus kicks in. This scene embodies the push and pull between connection and apprehension, adding visual depth to the track’s storyline.
As an energetic yet introspective lead-up to his debut album, habits of a complex mind, due in February 2025, “phone calls from home” blends nostalgia with modern indie-pop influences. Stay tuned with ST. NIKLAS and check out his music video for his latest single.
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Review by: Naomi Joan